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New Year Firework sales begin in Las Cruces

By Steve Ramirez/sramirez@lcsun-news.com

Posted:
12/23/2012 03:07:37 PM MST

LAS CRUCES — The day after Christmas will bring another type of sale, fireworks.

To usher in the new year, people will be able to buy and discharge fireworks. Wally Monsivaiz, fire investigator with the Las Cruces Fire Department, said fireworks can be sold between Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

"Vendors can apply for a business license, and then we'll inspect and follow up to make sure they're complying with all requirements," Monsivaiz said. "There are no specific times they can sell fireworks, and there really is no ordinance or law that specifies when (fireworks) can be discharged.

But people might want to keep in mind there's a noise ordinance that could get them in trouble."

The sales of fireworks will be similar in many ways to those sold for the Fourth of July. Jimmy Nevarez, owner of Planet Fireworks in Las Cruces, said several locations throughout the city and Doña Ana County will sell fireworks.

"We'll probably have about 10 spots," Nevarez said. "It'll be a little bit different from the Fourth of July in that we usually have 30 to 40 locations (selling fireworks). We'll should have our locations set up and ready to go by the 28th (of December), and sell through the first (of January)."

Nevarez added his fireworks stands will only be selling legally allowed fireworks.

Doña Ana County Fire Marshal Robert Monsivaiz said Wednesday only one vendor, so far, has acquired a permit to sell fireworks in the county.

Robert Monsivaiz said aerial fireworks are also banned in all unincorporated areas of the county. However, aerials are permissible in Mesilla.

Fines for sales, possession and discharge of illegal fireworks could be as much as $250 per offense.

The same safety rules that apply for the Fourth of July will be in effect for the New Year holiday. The discharge of fireworks should be supervised by a responsible adult, should be lit in dry, barren area, and an ample water supply should be nearby.

Steve Ramirez can be reached at 575-541-5452. Follow him on Twitter @SteveRamirez6